May 13, 2020
Chapters 3-4 records the many names of the people who worked on the wall of Jerusalem and construction details. We are also told that the foreign people in the land were very angry that the Jews were rebuilding the wall and strongly opposed them. A city without a wall was a city without security and was vulnerable to any enemy.
The people who built the wall came from every walk of life from priests to perfumers and public officials. They worked side by side to accomplish the work that God had set before them. And while they worked, others mocked and opposed the work and wanted to see them fail.
But Nehemiah kept the people focused on the work at hand. It was important and critical. He challenged them to not be afraid of those who opposed them. He said, “Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes” (4:14).
Nehemiah 3 & 4
Rebuilding the Wall
3 Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set its doors. They consecrated it as far as the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Tower of Hananel. 2 And next to him the men of Jericho built. And next to them Zaccur the son of Imri built.
3 The sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate. They laid its beams and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars. 4 And next to them Meremoth the son of Uriah, son of Hakkoz repaired. And next to them Meshullam the son of Berechiah, son of Meshezabel repaired. And next to them Zadok the son of Baana repaired. 5 And next to them the Tekoites repaired, but their nobles would not stoop to serve their Lord.
6 Joiada the son of Paseah and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah repaired the Gate of Yeshanah. They laid its beams and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars. 7 And next to them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon and of Mizpah, the seat of the governor of the province Beyond the River. 8 Next to them Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, goldsmiths, repaired. Next to him Hananiah, one of the perfumers, repaired, and they restored Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall. 9 Next to them Rephaiah the son of Hur, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, repaired. 10 Next to them Jedaiah the son of Harumaph repaired opposite his house. And next to him Hattush the son of Hashabneiah repaired. 11 Malchijah the son of Harim and Hasshub the son of Pahath-moab repaired another section and the Tower of the Ovens. 12 Next to him Shallum the son of Hallohesh, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, repaired, he and his daughters.
13 Hanun and the inhabitants of Zanoah repaired the Valley Gate. They rebuilt it and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars, and repaired a thousand cubits of the wall, as far as the Dung Gate.
14 Malchijah the son of Rechab, ruler of the district of Beth-haccherem, repaired the Dung Gate. He rebuilt it and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars.
15 And Shallum the son of Col-hozeh, ruler of the district of Mizpah, repaired the Fountain Gate. He rebuilt it and covered it and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars. And he built the wall of the Pool of Shelah of the king’s garden, as far as the stairs that go down from the city of David. 16 After him Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, ruler of half the district of Beth-zur, repaired to a point opposite the tombs of David, as far as the artificial pool, and as far as the house of the mighty men. 17 After him the Levites repaired: Rehum the son of Bani. Next to him Hashabiah, ruler of half the district of Keilah, repaired for his district. 18 After him their brothers repaired: Bavvai the son of Henadad, ruler of half the district of Keilah. 19 Next to him Ezer the son of Jeshua, ruler of Mizpah, repaired another section opposite the ascent to the armory at the buttress. 20 After him Baruch the son of Zabbai repaired another section from the buttress to the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest. 21 After him Meremoth the son of Uriah, son of Hakkoz repaired another section from the door of the house of Eliashib to the end of the house of Eliashib. 22 After him the priests, the men of the surrounding area, repaired. 23 After them Benjamin and Hasshub repaired opposite their house. After them Azariah the son of Maaseiah, son of Ananiah repaired beside his own house. 24 After him Binnui the son of Henadad repaired another section, from the house of Azariah to the buttress and to the corner. 25 Palal the son of Uzai repaired opposite the buttress and the tower projecting from the upper house of the king at the court of the guard. After him Pedaiah the son of Parosh 26 and the temple servants living on Ophel repaired to a point opposite the Water Gate on the east and the projecting tower. 27 After him the Tekoites repaired another section opposite the great projecting tower as far as the wall of Ophel.
28 Above the Horse Gate the priests repaired, each one opposite his own house. 29 After them Zadok the son of Immer repaired opposite his own house. After him Shemaiah the son of Shecaniah, the keeper of the East Gate, repaired. 30 After him Hananiah the son of Shelemiah and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph repaired another section. After him Meshullam the son of Berechiah repaired opposite his chamber. 31 After him Malchijah, one of the goldsmiths, repaired as far as the house of the temple servants and of the merchants, opposite the Muster Gate, and to the upper chamber of the corner. 32 And between the upper chamber of the corner and the Sheep Gate the goldsmiths and the merchants repaired.
Opposition to the Work
4 Now when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry and greatly enraged, and he jeered at the Jews. 2 And he said in the presence of his brothers and of the army of Samaria, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they restore it for themselves? Will they sacrifice? Will they finish up in a day? Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish, and burned ones at that?” 3 Tobiah the Ammonite was beside him, and he said, “Yes, what they are building—if a fox goes up on it he will break down their stone wall!” 4 Hear, O our God, for we are despised. Turn back their taunt on their own heads and give them up to be plundered in a land where they are captives. 5 Do not cover their guilt, and let not their sin be blotted out from your sight, for they have provoked you to anger in the presence of the builders.
6 So we built the wall. And all the wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.
7 But when Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs and the Ammonites and the Ashdodites heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem was going forward and that the breaches were beginning to be closed, they were very angry. 8 And they all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause confusion in it. 9 And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night.
10 In Judah it was said, “The strength of those who bear the burdens is failing. There is too much rubble. By ourselves we will not be able to rebuild the wall.” 11 And our enemies said, “They will not know or see till we come among them and kill them and stop the work.” 12 At that time the Jews who lived near them came from all directions and said to us ten times, “You must return to us.” 13 So in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, in open places, I stationed the people by their clans, with their swords, their spears, and their bows. 14 And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.”
The Work Resumes
15 When our enemies heard that it was known to us and that God had frustrated their plan, we all returned to the wall, each to his work. 16 From that day on, half of my servants worked on construction, and half held the spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail. And the leaders stood behind the whole house of Judah, 17 who were building on the wall. Those who carried burdens were loaded in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other. 18 And each of the builders had his sword strapped at his side while he built. The man who sounded the trumpet was beside me. 19 And I said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “The work is great and widely spread, and we are separated on the wall, far from one another. 20 In the place where you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.”
21 So we labored at the work, and half of them held the spears from the break of dawn until the stars came out. 22 I also said to the people at that time, “Let every man and his servant pass the night within Jerusalem, that they may be a guard for us by night and may labor by day.” 23 So neither I nor my brothers nor my servants nor the men of the guard who followed me, none of us took off our clothes; each kept his weapon at his right hand.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
As followers of Christ, we also have a divine work to do as Jesus builds his church through us. We are opposed by people, our culture, and the devil. But we all have a part, and work side by side, as the body of Christ. It is incredible to think that we are “a chosen people, and a royal priesthood, a holy nation,” and we belong to God that we might declare the praises of our Lord called us out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9). You are a part of God’s , God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. What is the important work God has given you to carry out to this end?
Father, you are high and lifted up. From your throne your eyes see me. Your hands stretch forth to lift me up when I fall. Without your renewed strength I will surely fail. Oh Father, in the stillness of the dawn, fill me anew and afresh with your Holy Spirit. Guide my course this day. Here are my hands and my arms use me to help comfort, speak through me words of truth, of encouragement. Your people are scattered, dismayed and overwhelmed. Listen to their cries, their pleas. Enable your church to stand against the evil of this day. At the end of this day, may I remember to thank you for all my many blessings. May I not be a stumbling block hindering a lost soul from coming to your Son for it is in his name I pray, Amen.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for Your Word and for another day to spend time in Your beautiful world. The situations and problems of the past are so similar to the ones of today. We can learn through days gone by that You are our Steadfast Savior, who not only leads us through our battles but defends us from our foes. We are put on this earth to work for and honor You and to continue to build up our church and be an instrument for its people. It takes great leaders to keep the body focused and motivated. Thank you for all of our wonderful leaders in our churches who do such awesome work for You. I want to be a laborer for You. Please show me the way You have planned for me. I receive so much joy in serving and helping others. Help me to forever keep my sights on You. Lead on, Dear God, and I will follow for the harvest is ripe. In Jesus ‘ Holy and Precious name. Amen.
Dear Father, from Nehemiah’s time to now, I see your handiwork all around us. I see and feel your protection just like you promised Nehemiah. Thank you for showing me that You are who you say You are.
Heavenly Father, life is hard and challenging , but because of your words and promises during Nehemiah’s time, you were there with them, and I believe the same words and promises will make me succeed to whatever duties you’ve entrusted me to do.
Amen
Together. That’s what kept coming to mind as I was reading through this scripture this morning. Side by side and together we, as a church, are working — working for the glory of God and for His Kingdom’s sake.
Even though we are practicing social distancing at the moment, that isn’t stopping us from being together in spirit and on mission as a church body to reach others for Christ.
Thank you, Lord, for the unique, mysterious and wonderful way you bind our hearts together as brothers and sisters in the family of God. Together we are strong with You as our leader. Help us to stay the course, I pray.
In Jesus’s name.
Amen.
Amen. That is what we need in our country. For Christian’s to rise up and stand strong in their faith. Like Nehemiah, who appointed certain people to a specific area, we need to get out there and vote for Christian men and women to take their place in our Congress, judges, representatives , governors, school boards, mayors. We need to invite Jesus back to be in the center of our lives, our country and our government, our schools, colleges, churches and homes. Then with His power we can defeat the evil forces that are trying to destroy our country.
Sorry, I got political, but the Nehemiahs urgency to build the wall and restore the temple in spite of opposition reminded me of our situation.
Amen!!!
My God is more powerful than anything against me!
Thank you Lord each day. Thank You for opening our eyes to see hear, and experience your amazing gifts, blessings, love and hope. You work 24/7. Enable me to learn how I am to serve You with the changes that are coming. Your plans are greater than I can come up with.I choose to be your light because You chose me.In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
The people who returned from exile with Nehemiah and the inhabitants of the land that helped rebuild the wall faced a daunting task. I believe God touched each one’s heart and tasked each one with the work ahead. They worked together and by the grace of God the wall began to take form. Father in Heaven, you are the sovereign God of the universe and in control of all things. Just as You protected and supported those that rebuilt each part of the wall around Jerusalem give us the strength to join together as Christians to carryout the daunting task before us, a world as broken as that wall. Father give us vision to see your plan and then join you in that plan. We love you God and we pray in the name of our precious Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. Amen! Amen!
God’s work bonds us together, those of us who are called. We build, we protect, we unite to pursue and execute God’s plan…and when we do, He gives us His favor and blessings.
There is unity in the community of Christ followers that work together and stay on mission!
Being united in a time difficulty is what we see in this passage. This a great example for us to follow during this season of our lives as a church body.
Lord Jesus thank you for Your Word. Thank you for speaking to us. Showing us that You protect us during this road we are traveling on. A road of reconstruction. Use me to build Your kingdom. Clean my heart and soul. Build me in the image of You Lord Jesus. And sound the trumpet when evil comes against me. In Jesus Name Amen.
From these passages in Nehemiah, it is so clear that each of us has a role to play in building Your Kingdom Father. Help me to clearer see and embrace my role so there is no gap in the wall. Amen
Ephesians 6…The Armor of God. Be strong in the Lord and His Mighty Power. Put on the Armor of God… Take up the Shield of Faith… Take the Helmet of Salvation and the Sword of the Spirit, which is The Word of God…. And pray in The Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep praying for all the saints.
Oh Mighty God…I abide in you! You provide all I need! Jesus is my Armor of Salvation…my faith rests in Him! Your Spirit stirs and delivers all Your Great Works, providing all my needs. Oh Father, guide me always on Your Path of Righteousness in rebuilding for Your Glory! All Light is Yours! May I ever Glorify Your Great Name!
In my career, I was treated unjustly because of my faith and my heritage. I found something special in 4:4&5 that lets me know that God knows all about it and He will take care of it.
Thank you Lord for allowing me to be your servant when I am out at the Grocery Store you have been bringing people to me that I can tell them what you have done for me. I get their names without trouble and intercede every day in prayer for them. I have not met one yet that will not give me their name so I know that this is of you and Praise Your Name.
Father you only know our troubles before they come Thank you for your protection
The important work God has given me to the end is motherhood. I am to train my children up in His word so that that may mark it in their hearts and not sin against Him. I am to show them the Fathers love and how He sent His son to die for our sins, their sins. I am to teach them the importance of asking for forgiveness and how God forgives our undeserving sins. Help them understand that He has a plan for us and it’s up to us to take up our cross and ask Him to lead and guide through our journey of life so that we may fulfill His plan.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your word and how it blesses our lives. How you continue to show us in your word that there is nothing new under the sun. As Christians keep us strong, depending solely on you and know that no matter what happens in this world we are on the winning team. We don’t lose. Now continue to use us according to your plan and purpose. In Jesus name. Amen
“Waymaker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, Light in the darkness, my God, that is who You are!” Help me to be an encourager and a blessing to someone today.
Love this praise song!!!❤️
Lord,
I thank you for those in my life whom You have surrounded me with, that we each have a part in the building of the Kingdom of Heaven. Help each of us to not be complacent in doing what You have called us to do.
In Jesus name Amen
Lord, help us coordinate together, your work, as some of us do one work, and others do another work at the same time. Help us all be on guard, vigilant and prepared for the battle, to defend the work you would have us do, that the devil wants to stop us from doing and not only destroy us, but your work in and through us.
Thank you my creator for another day in the land of the living. May your name be forever praised because there is none like you! I thank you for the plans you have for us today, I pray that you will help me/us to see you at work, I pray you will use me/us to accomplish your great plans and thereby bring Glory to your mighty name. Father, once again you show us in this text that the body of Christ is made up of many parts, each part is important to accomplishing your plan. Help us as a church to know that each of us matter, help us to know that we belong and can make a difference in our own little ways, help us not to be distracted with the action and behavior of both leaders and fellow workers, help us to keep our focus on your plans knowing that your promise is that it will all work out for our good and to the glory of your name. Grant us your wisdom just as in our text to know who the enemy is, those who seek to steal and destroy our soul. Father grant us your wisdom to know how to equip ourselves for the battle, the challenges, the “enemy” you allow our way. Help us to keep our focus on you. Even now Father, help our Pastor search committee to truly understand the tasks ahead, remove any part of self in them, strengthen them with your wisdom, equip them with your sound mind as they seek your direction in finding our next pastor. Help our members to stand firm and know that this pastor search is a battle for the continued Godly work that has been going on at CFBC. Help us to guard our spirit against any distraction that will derail this process. You are the Tower we run to, help your children. We believe EVERYTHING will work out to the glory of your name. This I pray? through Jesus our Lord. Amen!
Father, Thank you for another day. Thank you for your love & protection. Thank you for so many blessings! In Jesus Name, Amen
Remember the Lord who is great and awesome…
Lord, help us to be like Nehemiah and his workers! Challenged and opposed, but moving ahead with Your protection and guidance. Help us to focus on your plans and not our own.
The important work that God has given me in this season is ministering\reaching college students and young adults, due to the pandemic my methods have changed but the message of the Gospel never changes